Newcastle United crowned champions

Newcastle United finished off the Championship season by lifting the trophy on Sunday, beating the challenge of Brighton and Hove Albion to assure that they return to the Premier League in the best possible fashion, after relegation last season.

Rafael Benitez's side were clear favourites to win the league in pre season, and they did not disappoint their huge fan base by beating Barnsley 3-0 on the final day. It was not easy for Newcastle, with the Championship being one of the most tightly contested leagues around.

Chris Hughton's Brighton team appeared to be set to lift the trophy, but a late Jack Grealish goal for Aston Villa denied them that honour. This meant that Newcastle's victory moved them up to first place and took the trophy to St James' Park.

Benitez and co. will know that this is only the beginning for Newcastle. Many believed that they were too big to be relegated, and the club will be desperate to assure that it doesn't happen again. Hard work and good investment will keep them in the top flight, with ambitions to stay there for a long time.